Newly confirmed Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar, along with Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb (R), made the announcement on Feb. 2 at Eskenazi Health in Indianapolis. This is the second waiver with work requirements approved by CMS; the agency approved Kentucky’s waiver request in January.

With this approval, the state will incorporate work requirements, higher Medicaid premiums on tobacco users, and expanded coverage for substance-base treatment services into policies under its existing expansion waiver. To have coverage under the new work requirements, able-bodied adult beneficiaries will have to work at least 20 hours a week or enroll in job-training or educational programs. Beneficiaries risk loss of coverage for noncompliance.

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Gontscharow is a senior policy analyst for America's Essential Hospitals.

About America’s Essential Hospitals

America’s Essential Hospitals is the leading association and champion for hospitals and health systems dedicated to high-quality care for all, including the most vulnerable. Since 1981, America’s Essential Hospitals has initiated, advanced, and preserved programs and policies that help these hospitals ensure access to care. We support members with advocacy, policy development, research, and education.